One of Burgundy’s most prized producers, Domaine Dujac is a late arrival to the fine wine game. But in the 50 years that the Seysses family has owned the estate, their wines have become a must-have for all serious fine wine collectors.

Jacques Seysses, son of a French biscuit industrialist, bought the estate in the late sixties, after working for a small cellar in the region. His father’s entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with good, hard work and a desire to succeed, saw him toiling his land every morning. Not being a native of the region meant he was accepted with reserve by locals, and making connections was not easy. “When I bought Domaine Dujac (Domaine du Jacques), Burgundy was not a prosperous place, and definitely not considered as fine wine", he says. "I had to limit yield and sort the fruit a lot at harvest. When I sold my first vintage (1969) in 1971, the sale of each bottle was a triumph”. Trials, adjustments to the vinification process, vineyard visits and workshops began to show rewards. “I was lucky, by the early seventies I had made friends with the local restaurateurs and winemakers who generously sent me their customers and importers”. Lucky perhaps, but his father’s connections and the quality of his product probably had something to do with it too.

Production is tight/limited/small, averaging 2,000 9L cases annually of that includes their seven Grand Crus. Despite Dujac still being a relatively young wine, ageing potential looks good, while the silky nature of Clos Saint Denis makes it more approachable in its youth. Average vine age is around 30 years, with some over 60 years old (such as Chardonnay planted between 1956-66 in Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Combettes).